Blue-domed cathedrals, cobbled alleyways and leafy plazas shaded by giant Ficus trees set the scene for magical moments in Alicante, gateway to Costa Blanca beaches, jagged mountains and medieval villages. Wander through the narrow streets of El Barrio and gorge on turrón and tapas, then climb the steps to timeless Santa Cruz, where whitewashed houses, flecked with colourful pots, cling to steep staircases on the flanks of Mount Benacantil. High above lies the mighty Castel de la Santa Bàrbara, a 1,000-year-old sandstone citadel commanding spectacular views of the glittering Mediterranean and the tile mosaic of palm-fringed Explanada de España on the harbourside.